After a car accident in Concord, you may feel shocked and overwhelmed, leading to anxiety and fear, especially if you are seriously injured in an accident. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, in Concord, 3,232 people were injured or possibly injured in vehicle accidents in 2020, and 36 persons were involved in fatal car crashes in 2019.
While car accidents are not as common in the Concord area as in other North Carolina cities, they are no less devastating for victims and families when they result in serious injury or death. And when a car accident occurs, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared so that you don’t face trouble when you try to recover compensation for your damages.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Concord car accident attorneys have represented car accident victims since 2005. We are here to help if you need legal assistance after an auto accident. We have years of experience dealing with car accident cases, and we know how to get results. We force the liable parties to accept the consequences of their actions and provide you with the compensation you are entitled to.
Here is a list of what to do after a car accident in Concord, NC:
Call 911
In Concord, the police will be dispatched to the scene of an accident if you call 911. Once the police arrive at the scene they will file an accident report. This document helps provide a picture of what happened and helps determine who is at fault.
Get Yourself and Your Passengers to Safety
If you are able, move your car off the road to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic. However, take pictures first of the location of the vehicles. If you cannot move your car or move to a safe place off of the road, turn on your hazard lights and stay in your vehicle until help arrives.
Exchange Information With the Other Drivers Involved
Get the name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number of the other drivers involved in the accident.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Use your phone to take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident. Be sure to also take pictures of any skid marks or debris on the road that may have contributed to the accident.
Get Medical Attention if Necessary
If you or any passengers in your car are injured, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is always a good idea to be checked out by a medical professional.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you have exchanged information with the other drivers involved and documented the accident scene, you will need to call your insurance company to report the accident.
Contact a Concord Car Accident Lawyer
After you have taken care of the immediate aftermath of the accident, it is a good idea to contact a car accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do Not Admit Fault
Even if you think that you may be at fault for the accident, do not say so to the other drivers or the police. Anything you say can be used against you in your claim, so it is important to remain tight-lipped until you speak with a lawyer.
Follow Up With Your Doctor
If you were injured in the accident, follow up with your doctor and get any necessary treatment. It is also important to keep track of all of your medical expenses so that you can be reimbursed when your case resolves.
Car accidents can be a very stressful experience, but it is important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure everyone’s safety.
Who Is At Fault for the Accident?
In many cases, fault may be determined at the accident scene. However, this is not always the case. If you are not sure who is at fault for the accident, it is good to contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your options, particularly before giving any recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Some people choose to handle their own car accident claims, but it is often best to hire an attorney for your case. An attorney will know the ins and outs of the legal system and will be able to get you the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. If you are dealing with serious injuries, it is always a good idea to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
Hiring an attorney is also a good idea if the other driver’s insurance company gives you trouble. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will often try to lowball you on your settlement. A lawyer will fight for the fair compensation that you deserve.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. The contingency fee is a percentage of the total amount of compensation you are awarded, so you will not have to pay anything upfront.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Car Insurance?
If you are involved in an accident and do not have car insurance, you may be held personally responsible for the damages. This means that the other driver could sue you for the cost of their repairs, medical bills, and lost wages. If you cannot afford to pay these costs out of pocket, you could lose your home or have your wages garnished. This is one of the many reasons it is so important to have car insurance.
How Long Does it Take to File Personal Injury Claims?
There is no set answer to this question, as every personal injury claim is different. The amount of time it takes to file a claim depends on the severity of the injuries and whether or not you can settle out of court. It is best to speak with a car accident lawyer to understand how long your particular claim might take.
Damages Available to You After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, you may also be able to receive punitive damages, which are designed to punish the other driver for their egregious conduct.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Concord, North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you typically have three years from the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is why it is so important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident about the statute of limitations in your particular case.
Contact a Concord Car Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Nothing can fully compensate a person for a traumatic unexpected life change or restore the losses associated with it. However, at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, genuinely committed and caring attorneys are always ready to help navigate your personal injury claims. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning if we don’t settle or win your case, you owe nothing.
If you have been involved in a car accident, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Concord as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we offer a free consultation so that you can get the information and advice you need to make the best decision for your case.
We proudly serve Concord and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free consultation.
